If you're working from home, you need the proper equipment to be productive. A quality pair of headphones or a headset likely belongs on that list, as they can help you tune out background distractions and focus on the task at hand.
Below are our top-tested models, along with some buying advice about what type is best for your needs.
Why We Picked It
The third-generation AirPods Pro deliver top-quality noise cancellation, wiping out deep, low-frequency rumble and more complex, higher-frequency sounds. Beyond the improved ANC, Apple's Adaptive Audio mode provides a more natural way to monitor your surroundings without allowing loud noises to harm your hearing. The re-tuned audio is still rich but more balanced than before, providing a first-class listening experience. In addition, they include advanced features such as live language translation, heart rate monitoring, workout tracking, and a range of hearing health tools—all for the same price as the previous model.
Who It’s For
Apple product users: First and foremost, if you want seamless integration between your earphones and iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you will enjoy the AirPods Pro experience. Pairing is as simple as opening the case, while the iOS settings menu provides all the necessary controls and features.
People who want peace and quiet: The AirPods Pro 3 offer some of the best in-ear active noise cancellation we've experienced.
Frequent callers: Apple's flagship earbuds excel at reducing background noise during calls, ensuring your voice comes through loud and clear.
Best Noise-Cancelling Earphones
Why We Picked It
If you want to get work done, tuning out distractions is a wise first step. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds currently offer some of the best in-ear noise cancellation on the market. They also have clear mics and produce pleasing audio with a strong bass response.
Who It's For
Earphone enthusiasts: If you prefer using in-ear buds to over-the-ear headphones and really need to concentrate, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are your best option.
People who need quiet to work: The Bose earbuds effectively block out nearly all frequency ranges and can even intelligently reduce random loud noises in your environment while allowing you to hear everything else.
Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Why We Picked It
Sony pulls ahead in the premium noise-cancelling headphone race with the WH-1000XM6. Not only do the headphones sound excellent, with support for AAC, SBC, LDAC, and LC3 codecs, and even Auracast for sharing sound, but their active noise cancellation (ANC) manages to block out distractions even more effectively than Bose's best.
Who It's For
Over-ear headphone fans: If you want full-size headphones with ANC instead of earphones, the WH-1000XM6 is simply the top model currently available.
Noise cancellation purists: For years, Bose was the pack leader in ANC, but Sony has made incredible inroads, and the XM6 headphones deliver both the company's best version of the technology yet and our favorite implementation of it.
Best High-End Gaming Headset
Why We Picked It
Gaming headsets are essentially just headphones with boom mics and some gaming features. Some might look a bit outlandish for professional calls, but the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headset is downright classy with its black-and-gray design. More importantly, it offers tons of connectivity features, including a 2.4GHz transmitter with volume controls and a helpful display, Bluetooth, and even swappable batteries. The headset also sounds excellent, includes a clear (and retractable) boom mic, and effectively cancels noise.
Who It's For
People who want one headset to handle everything: This is a versatile headset for your desk, whether you play video games or not. Sure, its abilities to connect with a console and a PC over USB, as well as simulate surround sound on Windows, are more useful for gamers. But its comfortable design, high-quality audio output, and useful noise cancellation all add up to a comprehensive (if pricey) package for everyone else and make it well-suited to video calls, too.
Gamers: This headset is one of the best options for gamers, packed with features to help them get the most out of their sessions, from a comfortable fit to excellent audio quality, and it even includes a spare battery.
Best Midrange Gaming Headset
Why We Picked It
Once again, a gaming headset can be a suitable choice for your home office needs. The Razer Barracuda X doesn't have nearly as many features as the Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, but for less than $100, it offers both USB and Bluetooth connectivity as well as excellent sound. It also features a fantastic mic and an understated, work-friendly design.
Who It's For
Gamers on a budget: If you're looking for a headset with wireless audio and reliable voice quality at an affordable price, the Razer Barracuda X is a good choice. It doesn't have any dedicated enterprise features, but it performs well and is just as usable on the go as at your desk.
Fans of understated design: Razer products tend to feature dazzling RGB lighting and other gamer-centric features, but the Barracuda X is subtle and won't look out of place on a work call.
Best Affordable Gaming Headset
Why We Picked It
You don't need to spend a lot on a quality wired stereo headset. The Astro Gaming A10 (Gen 2) offers a comfortable over-ear fit, dynamic sound quality, and a clear mic signal. And it's downright cheap.
Who It's For
Penny pinching gamers: The Astro Gaming A10 (Gen 2) headset is a commendable budget option that can handle most of your gaming and corporate communication needs.
Those who don't talk a lot: You should consider spending a bit more for the Razer Barracuda X if you want an especially clear microphone and wireless connectivity. The Astro serves well enough for occasional calls.
Best for Enterprise Voice Features
Why We Picked It
Jabra's Evolve2 75 headphones are pricey, but offer excellent audio quality, a clear boom mic, effective active noise cancellation, and a premium design. For serious work, they boast the Unified Communications (UC) certification and are available with either a UC- or Microsoft Teams-optimized USB transmitter for a rock-solid connection. And whenever you're not at your desk, you can still rely on Bluetooth.
Who It's For
Professionals talkers: These headphones are designed for serious hybrid workers who demand the best voice performance available. They cost a lot, but deliver a superlative experience.
Microsoft Teams users: There are no better headphones for use with Microsoft Teams.
Best Headphones for iPhones
Why We Picked It
The Apple AirPods Max are the most expensive entry on this list at $549. Although you pay a bit of an Apple tax, you get a powerful set of headphones for your money. Aside from their excellent noise cancellation, they also feature an adaptive EQ and spatial audio features. And, if you're an iPhone user, they have hands-free Siri access, too.
Who It's For
Apple fans: The AirPods Max headphones are best suited for use with an iPhone, iPad, or MacBook. They can seamlessly switch between devices and are deeply integrated with Apple's operating systems.
Fashionistas: Their striking design and color options will catch the eye of style-conscious users.